Nice overall but lack of coffee options is a real bummer

Item: MSC Seashore
Rating: 4.3
Author: javachipSQL

MSC Seashore Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

javachipSQL

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 02, 2022

Ship: MSC Seashore

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 16012

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Two issues that really tainted our trip: 1. They would not give us the onboard credit for being Gold member because we got the military discount. That doesn't seem right to me. We weren't asking for further discounts, just the two $50 onboard credits 2. Brooklyn Cafe which served great coffee, was closed almost every afternoon for 3-4 hours at a time for some "private event". Yacht club did have OK coffee, which was the saving grace, but I much preferred the frozen coffee drinks at Brooklyn. I don't know about others, but I really need a cup of coffee drink in the afternoon as a pick-me-up. It's mind boggling that they would shut down the only coffee place that's open to all guests (and free if you have the drink package, because Venchi is not free). On the day at Ocean Cay, I was hoping we could get a free coffee drink at the cafe on the island, but no, that's extra cost. They told me to go to Brooklyn so it would be free. So we returned back on the ship - but of course, Brooklyn was having another "private event". I hope MSC was paid generously for these "private events" because I can't sail with them again for this reason.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We sailed yacht club, so there was a lot of handholding along the way. I do believe they melted one of our suitcase's wheels somehow.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Never eaten in the main dining room, but the yacht club restaurant was decent and buffet looked pretty good. Food is pretty bland overall but there was salt and pepper when requested. Brooklyn Cafe is closed most of the time we needed it, even though the Daily says it's open all day.

Top Sail Lounge

5 out of 5

I enjoyed the Top Sail Lounge very much. It's got a nice view, relaxing atmosphere, good drinks, and little snacks throughout the day. There's piano playing in the evenings which is great too.

Ocean Cay Restaurant

4 out of 5

I enjoyed the lobster roll, but the service was lacking here. They could not keep up at all.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Fitness center was very nice, as was the thermal spa.

MSC Sports Arena

5 out of 5

This was a nice sports bar to watch the game. There's a big projection screen and several individual booths of varying sizes with personal TVs. We came here to catch the March Madness and Masters.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Different shows every night, in both Cabaret and Madison theater.

Children's Programs

Did not travel with children.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Most of the service was very good. The worst service we encountered was at the One Pool Bar and Grill (part of yacht club). There was very little service there.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Enjoyed the cabin. Good size. Love the rain shower, but wish the shower was a little bigger. Slept well.

Ship tip

The second laser show at the Ocean Cay is much better than the first because the sky isn't so bright.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5

We don't care for Nassau. Too touristy and so many rude people trying to get you to buy their taxi ride or excursions.

Thumbs Up 0

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

We did a walking tour ourselves with one of the apps on the phone. Enjoyed everything at our own pace and learning about the history.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

5 out of 5

We did an ATV tour with Marisol Tours. It was only $85 for two of us and $50 for the photo and video package.

Thumbs Up 0

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

5 out of 5

Beautiful island. Yacht club restaurant was very overwhelmed though. They couldn't keep up with the amount of glasses that had to be cleaned, so it was a long wait for drinks.

Thumbs Up 0